Brushing your teeth: doctor says do it before breakfast

An NHS doctor posted on TikTok that brushing before breakfast is preferable to brushing straight after eating because food lowers mouth pH and brushing immediately can wear enamel; a dentist is reported as backing the advice and recommending waiting about 30 minutes after meals.

An NHS doctor has suggested brushing teeth before breakfast rather than after. The point was made in a TikTok video by Dr Suraj Kukadia, who is known online as Dr Sooj. He explained that eating lowers the mouth's pH and makes it more acidic, so brushing straight after a meal can rub acid into teeth and wear enamel. A dentist, Dr Deepa Chopra, is reported as supporting the approach and recommending waiting around 30 minutes after eating. Key points: - Dr Suraj Kukadia (Dr Sooj) posted a video saying people should brush their teeth before breakfast rather than immediately after eating. - The reason given is that eating lowers mouth pH and increases acidity, and brushing straight away can wear down enamel by rubbing acid into teeth. - Brushing before breakfast was described as removing overnight bacteria and allowing fluoride in toothpaste to provide protection during the day. - Dentist Dr Deepa Chopra told Surrey Live that rinsing with water after a meal can wash away food particles and acids, and that waiting about 30 minutes before brushing lets saliva neutralise acids. Summary: The reported guidance highlights that the timing of morning brushing can affect enamel wear and that allowing time after eating is one way to reduce brushing while enamel is softened. Undetermined at this time.